Are You Too Old for a Bikini?
July 1, 2012 by admin
Filed under Choosing Lingerie
Can you wear a bikini over 40? That is the question.
Fashion stylist Jacqui Stafford and author of the upcoming “The Wow Factor” feels your pain.
At 20, a little yellow or red bikini was your fashion statement. Now, it’s bathing suit season and you start planning that move to the outer reaches of Alaska.
Jacqui says that all of us over 40 not only have the right to bare arms, but also we can even rock a two-piece suit this summer.
Can us ladies of a certain age go bikini chic?
“You can absolutely wear a two piece suit if you’re over 40,” she says. “It all depends on your inner confidence.”
In order to give your inner confidence a big booster shot before you hit the beach or the pool, I sat down with Jacqui to ask her for help choosing the perfect summer suit including a bikini.
Q: What are the rules in general when looking for a swimsuit over 40?
A: “As you get older look for suits or pieces that have more structured, molded cups rather than soft cups for the top. You want to go for the shape. Make sure the suit is not too skimpy. And look for a higher rise in a bikini bottom. I love to show my over 40 clients a tank-ini, which is two pieces, but just shows a sliver of skin in the middle. It gives the illusion of a two piece, which is fantastic.”
Q: What if you have a few weight issues?
A: “The most important thing is to highlight the parts of your body that you DO love. Take into account your body shape. Do you carry your weight in your tummy area? Maybe over 40 your tummy is not quite so toned. If this is the case then you want to look for a one-piece suit with ruching (gatherings)or sheering. A cleaver fabric will camouflage your tummy. Draping around your midsection will make you look slimmer.
Q: Do women over 40 have to go for boring black bathing suits?
A: “Absolutely not! Red is such a fabulous color when you’re over 40, but I also love purple, coral and turquoise. I love the vibrant colors. You don’t have to stick to boring black. Women make the mistake of thinking black is slimming, but that’s not always the case. I also love the softer colors for ladies over 40 like a charcoal, blue or chocolate.”
Q: Now let’s hit some body concerns. What if you’re too much in the hips – or you perceive it that way?
A: “To downplay heavier hips and thighs look for pieces with wider straps on top. You want to draw the attention upwards, by creating broad shoulders. Bring the eyes up!”
Q: What if you have too much on top in terms of your breasts?
A: “Buy separate pieces to get the exact right bust size. The brand It Figures really specializes in fuller busts. It’s important to look at pieces that offer specific cup sized bras in the swimsuits.”
Q: There are so many women who would like to give their arms up for adoption. Any advice? Can we wear a shrug on the beach?
A: “No, you can’t wear a shrug! Again, divert the attention. If you don’t like your arms then keep away from one-shoulder styles that draw attention to your arms. But you can also invest in any one of a number of fabulous cover-ups out there. And look for a suit with a wider strap to balance out your arms.”
Q: No one ever gives advice to women who are small busted.
A: “It’s true that this is also an issue. If you’re small busted then go for details like ruffled fabrics or embellishments or prints to give the illusion of more volume. Victoria’s Secret has great push up pieces for those who want more structure.”
Q: You’re also a spokesperson for Slimfast. What do you love about the product?
A: “I love Slimfast for six weeks to boost your confidence. It’s easy and convenient, plus tastes like a milk shake. You will shed weight and then go to the beach or the pool. It’s not about having the perfect body. It’s about you emanating confidence, which is just being the best you that you can be.”
Q: Do you think women stress too much about bathing suit season?
A: “Women stress about things that no one else notices. If you can walk on the beach and honestly say, “I feel fabulous” then that glow will show. That’s the wow factor. It doesn’t come from being the skinniest or the prettiest girl. The women who walks into the room with the most confidence is always the most attractive.”
